Winners and losersEditorialWhile party affiliation limits voters' options in next Tuesday's primary election, savvy citizens will make a fistful of critical choices.Noteworthy among these is the contest for a Democratic challenger to District 4 Congressman Stephen Shadegg, a Republican. Eric Ehst, a supporter of public education, health care, election reform and a clean environment, faces Maria Elena Milton. Milton, an avowed follower of convicted felon and economic extremist Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr., won the Democratic primary for the same office two years ago, likely catching inattentive voters off-guard. Once is enough. Robin Shaw and Tom Smith, Republicans who side-by-side served District 26 in the Arizona House of Representatives, are vying for that district's single state Senate seat. The winner will face Democrat Bodo Diehn in November. Shaw distinguished herself by bucking colleagues within her own party, as well as former Gov. Fife Symington, to successfully promote long-sought hate crimes legislation. She is an energetic, knowledgeable advocate for public education, reproductive choice and the arts. Smith has a lengthy record of outstanding public service and also would make a fine senator, but in this race, we give the nod to Shaw. In Arizona House District 18, Republican incumbents Susan Gerard and Barry Wong face challenger Jerry Harris, who is making his third bid for elective office. Because no other candidates are in the running, the primary winners will fill the district's two seats. The indefatigable, outspoken Gerard is the legislature's leading proponent of affordable health care, including mental health. She champions public education and reproductive choice, as well as urban planning responsive to Arizona's burgeoning population. In a legislature dominated by ultraconservatism and chronic inaction, Gerard is a perennial source of fresh ideas and creative action. The legislature and the state need Gerard. The opportunity to cast a deciding vote in these and several other races is reason enough to go to the polls Sept. 8. 
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